Charlotte Motor Speedway's Fan Zone has ramped up the race-day excitement for Saturday's Monster Energy All-Star Race, with attractions including the NASCAR Trackside Live stage, the family-friendly "Cars 3" display and the Monster Energy display. Each display saw throngs of race fans of all ages line up to enjoy the best in pre-race entertainment throughout the 10-acre Fan Zone.
This weekend, the Fan Zone debuts the NASCAR Trackside Live stage, where fans are treated to live music, driver appearances and live NASCAR.com broadcasts to a worldwide audience. Fans were lined up Saturday morning to see drivers Matt DiBenedetto and Joey Logano, the defending winner of the Monster Energy All-Star Race.
Among the fans enjoying the activities at the Trackside Live stage were the Butler family from Newton, North Carolina. Kelli, Bobby and their children, Seth and Olivia, were thrilled to meet DiBenedetto - who hails from nearby Hickory.
"It's an exciting adventure for our family," Kelli Butler said. "It's something our children don't normally get to do. We got to meet drivers and they took the time to visit. They're such a good role model for them and this shows them what character really is. This is why we love coming here."
The biggest attraction for kids has been the "Cars 3" movie display. Hundreds of families stood in line to see the "Road to the Races" display, which features full-size versions of the "Cars 3" characters including Lightning McQueen, the star of the "Cars" series.
Fans visiting the display can take in an exclusive trailer of the summer blockbuster set to release in June, buy souvenirs and play games related to the film. The display created so much excitement that fans lined up to take in its sights and sounds hours before the speedway's grandstands opened.
Also included in this weekend's Fan Zone attractions are the Monster Energy displays, which feature motorcycle stunts and riders in the steel cage. There are also TORC Series off-road trucks doing burnouts and MMA fights. Race fans were lined up Saturday around the arena enjoying the activities and photographing the stunts.
Charlotte Motor Speedway's Fan Zone will be operating next week with more fan-friendly activities leading up to the Coca-Cola 600.
